The Lenses We Look Through: Unconscious Bias at Work

Event Details:
When: October 14, 2021 9:00 am – October 14, 2021 11:00 am
Location: Zoom

Cost To Attend:
Nonmembers –
VBSR Members –

Registration is open

Event hosted by: Adaptiva HR

What do we mean when we talk about unconscious bias? How are these biases formed? Through non-judgmental discussion and activities, we explore what factors influence how we perceive others as well as how others perceive us.

We call these the “lenses we look through” and awareness of them can help us see unspoken (and often unknown) assumptions. Understanding our own lenses makes us better able to identify and address stereotypes, so we can create genuinely inclusive environments. While this discussion is geared toward how unconscious bias “shows up” in the workplace, the content and tools can be used in any part of our lives. This can be a difficult topic to explore.

We will facilitate a safe and structured discussion, providing all participants with an opportunity to learn the definition of unconscious bias, information about how it impacts the workplace, and tools for self-awareness and action. Unconscious biases are the mental shortcuts our brains take to help us make decisions quickly. This course is aimed at raising awareness of how unconscious biases work and how they can negatively influence workplace interactions.

Participants will understand:

  • Explain what unconscious bias is

  • Understand how it can negatively influence workplace decisions

  • Understand the scientific research on unconscious bias and its influence (in the workplace and in society)

  • Commit to taking at least one action to reduce the influence of unconscious bias

About the Presenter: Adaptiva HR is thrilled to host Shanta Lee Gander. Shanta Lee Gander is an artist and multi-faceted professional. As a professional, her experience and knowledge includes 20+ years of leadership, marketing, building social capital and community partnerships, project planning, implementation, and execution alongside her ability to make creative vision tangible. As an artist, her endeavors include writing and photography with written work that has been featured in The Massachusetts Review,PRISM,ITERANT Literary Magazine,Palette Poetry,BLAVITY,DAME Magazine,The Crisis Magazine,Rebelle Society, and is one of the writers for the Ms. Magazine Blog.